Itinerary

1. Day 1- Delhi Arrival

   • Namaste and welcome to Delhi! Our representative will be waiting at the airport to take you to your accommodation. If you’re not feeling the effects of jet lag just yet, check-in, drop your bags and let your feet guide you to some of Delhi’s famous sites. 
   • You can take your pick over Humayun’s Tomb-the precursor to the Taj or contemplate upon British influence in India as you saunter up to the India Gate, a war memorial la Arc du Triumph. It’s easy to get distracted by the many attractions of Delhi so be sure to keep track of time since you have a 6 pm pre-departure meeting this evening. 
   • Once the meeting is over, head out for the first of many culinary delights that North India has to offer.

2. Day 2- Delhi Sightseeing

   • We start the day by diving right into the deep end of the pool. Starting with a visit to the 17th century Jama Masjid – the biggest mosque in India, we snake our way through winding alleys on cycle rickshaws and then rub shoulders with the devout as they meditate in the hall of a Sikh Temple. 
   • In between, stand slack-jawed as you observe businesses being conducted out of tiny cubicles, cows sharing space with motorbikes and Old Delhi picking its way through the morning over a cup of chai.  
   • Leaving behind the chaos of Delhi in the forenoon we take a 5-hour bus journey to Agra and on arrival, visit the iconic Agra Fort.

3. Day 3- Agra

   • Of the Taj, a poet once eloquently wrote – “a teardrop in the cheek of time.” The Taj is indeed that and much more but to experience the true mystique of this monument we rise early to witness its changing moods. 
   • We will return to our hotel for breakfast after our visit and then prepare to leave for Jaipur. 
   • We will make a pit stop en route at Abhaneri to marvel at another architectural marvel that is the Chand Baori – a fascinating construction of steps leading to a water source. Resist the urge to look it up on the internet and let the real thing hit you full and direct! 
   • Later in the evening, pack in a unique experience for your tour by signing up for the movies – Bollywood style!

4. Day 4- Jaipur

   • Drive through the hustle and bustle of the original Pink City and stop for a photo op at the Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Wind. Like a multi-layered cake left forgotten by a giant, the Hawa Mahal rises on the side street of one of the busiest streets in Jaipur. While only a façade it doesn’t stop people from taking innumerable photos of the 18th-century edifice. Alight at the Jal Mahal or Water Palace for more photos and then make your way to the Amber Fort sitting atop one of the oldest hills in the world. 
   • Make sure to close your open mouth at intervals as you breeze through this amazingly multi-faceted fort! There are no activities planned after the visit to Amber Fort but be sure to check with your tour leader who’ll be happy to provide you with suggestions to fill in the rest of your day. 
   • Visit the City Palace, the residence of the current Maharaja of Jaipur or stroll through the puzzle that is the Jantar Mantar, an 18th-century stone observatory.

5. Day 5- Bikaner

   • Another early start sees us travelling to Bikaner (approximately 6 hours) via vistas of villages, camel farms, traffic held up by herds of cows, goats and the inevitable buzz of activities – of fruit vendors yelling to advertise their wares, tractors blaring their music, jeeps loaded with people like a bubble about to tip from a pipe. Small towns are like giant anthills alive with life. 
   • After arriving at Bikaner we proceed towards the well-kept Junagarh Fort – a repository of artefacts pertaining to the life and times of the Royal House of Bikaner. And although it’s been a long day, a walk through the streets of the Old City in the evening is sure to energise you as you dig into piping hot chai and street food that’s designed to work your taste buds beyond overtime!

6. Day 6- Jaisalmer

   • Today we drive to the golden-hued city of Jaisalmer (approximately 6 hours). Take it easy in the afternoon on arrival at Jaisalmer. 
   • Kick back and enjoy the evening as the sun touches the city with fading light, head for the sunset point to watch the city settle in for the night. The rest of the evening is free for you to do whatever you choose.

7. Day 7- Jaisalmer

   • Of all the forts visited on this tour, the Jaisalmer Fort is the only one where residents actually live. With the completion of breakfast, we take a walk through the weaving lanes of the city and into this fort that stands broad and tall. Tread through history – literally – its paths laid shiny and polished by centuries of footfalls and stare goggled-eyed at ornate temples and houses that speak of an opulent age. 
   • Shed the remnants of civilization in the afternoon by driving out of the city and into the desert where we’ll board our camels for a short ride over the dunes. As evening approaches, settle down for a night’s worth of camping.

8. Day 8- Jodhpur

   • We leave the sandy expanse of the Jaisalmer desert in the morning and enter the blue-washed houses of Jodhpur that spread over the Old City. Gazing up reverently at the sturdy Meharangarh Fort that looms large over them. These houses have a tale to tell all of their own. 
   • Discover what these are and uncover the secrets of the fort as we visit the latter later in the day. Once the day is done, relax in the evening and perhaps enjoy dinner at a restaurant offering a vantage point of the fort at night.

9. Day 9- Udaipur

   • The City of Lakes, Venice of the East or the White City – Udaipur admits itself to each moniker like a comfortable habit. One of the most romantic cities in Rajasthan, Udaipur has it all – from lakes to mountains, forts, palaces, rooftop restaurants, cultural shows and coffee shops. 
   • Dive into this beehive of activities that is the city but not before making a stop at Ranakpur where we enter the elaborately carved interiors of a Jain Temple. The journey to Udaipur is approximately 7 hours and if you have time on your hands, ease yourself gently into the night by going on a sunset boat ride around Udaipur’s largest lake, Pichola.

10. Day 10- City Palace

    • We start the day with a visit to the extravagant City Palace. The rest of the day is free to do as you choose but you might want to fill in your time with a cooking class – an eat-what-you-cook affair. 
    • Cook up a storm with some spicy Indian curry or learn the art of making masala chai. With lunch sorted, wander around town or have a palm reader read the lines of your future. 
    • In the evening, unite in a celebration of life as you witness artists relaying stories through puppet shows and folk dancers whirling to showcase their distinct art forms.

11. Day 11- Udaipur

    • After all the activities of yesterday, you may choose to sit back and enjoy the morning over breakfast or amble about town to do some last-minute shopping. The tour comes full circle as we leave Udaipur for New Delhi today. 
    • We will reach Delhi airport by evening and although it is effectively the last day of the tour, save your last hurrahs for a farewell dinner. Don’t forget to check your departure and organise your transfer with your tour leader.

12. Day 12- Delhi Departure

    • It’s time now to bid farewell to your tour leader and new friends but not without a backpack full of memories. Departure Transfers are included on the day. Check-out time in most hotels is 12 pm. Please confirm with your tour Leader or the hotel reception.